I'm back here again.
Sister, Sister. It appears our guest is still half-asleep.
Rem, Rem. For one so young, it's quite sad how out of it he is.
What is the matter, sir?
Do you feel unwell?
What's wrong, sir?
Do you have a chronic illness flaring up?
Let me see your hands.
So it's true, after all.
I wasn't mistaken.
No, sir. I think you are mistaken about everything.
No, sir. I think your very birth was a mistake.
When I think about what's to come, I can't laugh off that comment.
But right now, even that feels good.
Sister, Sister. Is our guest a troubled man who gets off on being abused?
Rem, Rem, our guest appears to be a pervert who's turned on by insults.
Sorry if that came out of nowhere,
but I trust you both.
Let's be friends, okay?
I heard noises, so I came to check on you.
I'm glad you're all right, Subaru.
I had a lot on my mind a second ago,
but seeing you blew it all away, Emilia-tan!
I guess you were the wonder drug that my heart needed.
Sorry, I have no idea what you're saying.
But good morning. I'm glad you're well.
Yeah, good morning.
Okay, might as well get started.
Hire me to work in this mansion!
In order to survive a week in the Roswaal mansion, I must clear two broad conditions.
First, I need to earn the trust of the staff here.
If I don't gain those two maids' favor,
odds are they'll kill me to assure my silence.
That goes not only for Rem and Ram,
but for their master, Roswaal, as well.
And second, I need to defeat the shaman attacking the Roswaal mansion...
once and for all!
I'm bushed!
You're quite the hard worker.
I'm not done yet.
I need to prepare dinner and clean the rooms.
I'll get back to work after a little break.
You're so enthusiastic on your very first day.
Yeah, I guess.
I've got some important things on the line here.
By the way, what kind of magic does Emilia-tan use?
Technically, she isn't a magic-user.
Same goes for her contract with me.
She uses spirit arts.
So those who use magic and spirit arts are different?
Magic-users cast magic with their own mana,
but those who use spirit arts draw mana from their surroundings.
And how are those any different, Puck-sensei?
Basically, it depends on whether you use a gate.
A gate?
It's something within your body that controls the flow of mana.
Through the gate, you both draw mana in and expel it out.
I see. Then it's like a tap for MP, huh?
You should have one too, Subaru.
R-Really? Does that mean even I can use magic?
Want me to figure out your attribute?
Magic-users are divided into one of four attributes: fire, water, wind, and earth.
Whoa, it's totally a magic sound effect!
I know what your attribute is.
Yes! I've been waiting for this!
Is it the burning fire of passion?
Or a relaxed, cool-guy water type?
Or maybe a gentle wind, blowing across the plain?
Or is it solid, reliable earth?
Shadow
None of them!?
Wow, shadow? That's very rare.
What is shadow anyway?
Weren't there only four attributes?
This is a category error!
In addition to the four basic attributes,
there's also shadow and light.
Is it actually some amazing ability?
Like a talent only seen once in five thousand years?
With shadow magic,
you can obstruct an opponent's vision, block sound,
slow movements, and things like that.
It's just debuffs!?
An easy one would be something like Shamac.
That's a blinding spell, right?
Want me to show you?
For real? Let's see, let's see!
Wait, Puck...
Shamac!
Okay, that's it.
What'd you think? That was Shamac.
Are you all right?
I-I'm fine!
It's not too flashy, but it seems pretty effective!
So I can also use this Shamac, right?
Well, with the right training.
Want to try the beginner's course?
Please, Master!
I'll act as a support and help use the mana inside you.
That way the magic will come from your own gate.
Lia, on the off-chance that Subaru's mana goes berserk and explodes,
you should stand back, so your clothes don't get all messy.
It'll only explode if I screw up really bad, right!?
If you can make relaxed, lighthearted comments like that, you'll be fine.
Now, visualize the flow of mana through your body.
Then expel a portion of it through your gate and out of your body.
Visualizing, I can do.
Fantasizing is what I do best.
Huh? That isn't good. The gate just—
Long story short,
your control over your gate isn't very good, so you shouldn't try too hard.
You're the one who said I'd be fine.
Tee-hee!
That's not cute at all.
Well, for better or worse, your gate hasn't seen much use.
That's why the mana ignored your will and burst out like that.
What am I, a soy sauce bottle with a loose cap?
You shouldn't move.
You used up all the mana in your body.
Maybe you shouldn't work anymore today.
No! I have to!
There's no need to push yourself!
This is exactly when I need to push myself.
I can't waste a single day.
You really are hopeless.
What—
Chew.
Chew and swallow it. Ready, go!
Wh-What was that?
It's a bocco fruit.
Eating it stimulates your mana,
allowing your gate to regain a little of its strength.
Sorry to make you do that for me.
You just don't get it, Subaru.
A single "thank you" is worth more than a million "sorry"s.
I did it because I wanted to help,
not because I wanted an apology.
Okay?
So, Ram, given what you've seen so far,
what do you think of him?
In terms of abilities, he's completely incompetent,
but when it counts, he can be excessively quick-witted.
I believe it may be necessary to keep an eye on him for a time.
This is a problem we must handle with utmost care.
Be sure to give the proper warnings,
so your sister does not act rashly.
I guess that's about all I can expect of the first day.
I earned quite a bit of trust from Ram and Rem too,
or so I hope.
But the real issue is that shaman's attack.
How do I fight that?
You want to know more about shamans?
Yeah, how do you avoid curses?
There isn't a way.
Huh?
Once a curse is activated, I suppose there isn't any way to undo it.
Once it's activated, that's it.
That's what curses are.
It's actually possible to nullify instant death resistances?
However, before they're activated, curses are just simple spells.
Before that, I could easily undo them.
The scent of the witch...
That reminds me, Rem mentioned that too.
Who is this witch?
Are witches related to shamans somehow?
I suppose there's only one person in the world the word "witch" ever refers to.
The Witch of Envy?
Exactly. The Witch of Envy, Satella.
Long ago, she devoured the other six witches who bore the names of the remaining deadly sins,
and drained half the world dry. I suppose she's the worst of the worst.
Legends say that she was starved for love.
Legends say that she doesn't understand human language.
Legends say that her body never withers, weakens, or dies.
Legends say that, though she was sealed by the powers of a dragon, a hero, and a sage,
they were unable to destroy her flesh.
Legends say that her body is that of a silver-haired half-elf.
I'm...
Satella.
What would it take to make someone steal the Witch of Envy's name?
Oh, I guess "steal" makes the person sound bad.
I should say to make someone "borrow" the Witch of Envy's name.
Either way, I suppose they must have no fear of death.
An individual who would steal her name can be considered nothing short of insane.
I see. It all makes sense now.
Huh?
If people just saw her as a crazy freak,
they wouldn't get dragged into this royal selection mess.
I suppose you could clarify.
Don't worry about it.
Good morning!
It's another sunny day, perfect for drying laundry!
Let's make this a happiness-filled day!
Now, victory!
Victory!
You're so energetic again this morning.
Yep! Even as I'm ordered around and whipped by the maid sisters,
I'll enjoy my servant's life to the fullest again!
But when that lifestyle wears me out,
I'll come rest my head in your lap,
so save it for me, okay?
When you wash your face like that, you really do look like a cat!
What, so spirits get sleepy and stuff too?
Do they oversleep?
Don't you people get sleepy when you're fatigued too?
When a spirits' mana, the source of their energy, is depleted,
they experience something similar.
Did you two stay up all night or what?
I bet you were up late talking about who you like, right?
Let me in on the fun!
Say what?
Who I like? It's embarrassing to say, but—
The one I like is Puck, and the one Puck likes is me.
There. That conversation's over.
Your love is mutual!? Then where do I fit in?
Nowhere.
Lia's head-over-heels for my charms.
You aren't a bad guy,
but compared to me, you've got nothing.
You should give up on Lia and—
Don't get carried away, you two.
Keep this up and I'll get mad!
Ow! Ow! You already are! You already are mad!
Whoa, look at the time!
I should get going, lest I incur the wrath of the maid sisters.
Bye.
What's wrong? You don't look too happy.
How do I say it? I feel sort of uneasy, I guess.
It's hard to put into words.
Well, I can't blame you for being confused.
This has gotten to be a bit of a problem.
Don't worry! Don't worry! Forget about it! It's fine!
A problem?
Relax!
I'll clean this up real fast! Don't want anyone getting hurt!
Subaru's mind is really mixed up.
The inside and outside are all confused.
I do think that is an admirable attitude,
but you were the one who knocked it over.
I shall fetch a replacement—
No, that's okay!
I'll take care of the vase and flowers!
Just focus on your own work!
If he keeps this up, he'll wear himself out before long.
It feels great to finish a job, huh, Rem-rin?
It was work you created and took care of on your own, though.
When did you learn where the vases are kept?
Did my sister...
Yeah, that's right! Your sister told me!
Since she knows me, she said, "You're bound to break a vase eventually.
I'll tell you where the extra vases are, so you'll be prepared when it happens."
Subaru-kun...
Whoa, look at the time!
I forgot Ram-chi asked me to do some work for her!
I'll be done in no time, so if you'll excuse me.
Later! I'll come find you soon!
I feel sick...
Don't you think my knife technique has come a long way in only a day?
I think my talent has awakened!
I feel sick. I feel sick. I feel sick!
Rem-rin, check out my aptitude, which enables such detailed crafting!
A miracle must be residing in my fingertips right now!
Illusion!
I feel sick... I feel sick... I feel sick...
I feel sick... I feel sick. I feel sick!
Honestly, Emilia-tan! Every time we meet, you stir my heart!
You're such a sinful girl! You're guilty!
I should be better able to laugh.
I should be better able to make them laugh.
Failure isn't an option this time.
I can't waste a single second.
I have to throw myself into my work and produce results, or else...
Oh, Ram-chi! I wasn't slacking! I'll finish all my work!
You can just kick back in your room and take a siesta while I—
Damn, I look so lame.
You don't have time to spend whining.
You idiot.
Subaru.
Emilia-tan!
Subaru, come with me.
Uh-oh! A personal request from Emilia-tan?
How rare! How joyous! How embarrassing!
Just say the word! Your wish is my command!
For you, I'd dive into fire, water, the loot house, anywhere!
Subaru...
Hey, come on! The Emilia-tan I know would say...
Wait! Are you a fake?
But could anyone else look so gorgeous that I can barely resist my urge to hug her?
All right.
Subaru, come here.
Wha—
Just come.
Okay, sit here.
Can't I sit on the bed or a chair? Why the floor?
Just sit!
Yes, ma'am! With pleasure!
Just this once, all right?
Your position is a little weird.
And... it tickles.
You're letting me rest in your lap?
Don't say it aloud! It's embarrassing!
And no looking up here.
Close your eyes.
You're adorable when you're embarrassed, but...
What's this about anyway?
When did I do something worthy of this kind of reward?
You don't have to put on that weird tough act now.
Didn't you tell me to lend you my lap when you were exhausted?
I can't do this all the time, but today is special.
Special? It's only my second day on the job.
What kind of weakling would I be if I'm already completely worn out?
It's plain to see that you're overwhelmed.
You won't tell me what's really going on, will you?
I can't imagine this will make things any easier,
but this is all I can do.
Emilia-tan, come on now...
Are you tired?
Not even a little bit. I'm totally fine.
Are you troubled?
If you're this nice to me, I'm gonna fall in love with you.
When you... I mean, like that...
It's been rough, hasn't it?
It's been rough.
It was so painful.
I was so scared.
I was so sad.
It hurt so much I thought I'd die.
I know.
I tried so hard.
So damn hard!
I was so desperate.
So desperate to make everything right!
It's the truth.
I've seriously never put so much effort into anything in my entire life!
I know, let it all out.
Because I loved this place.
Because it was so important to me!
I was so desperate to get it back.
I was scared. I was so scared!
I never want to be looked at like that ever again!
And I hated myself so much for feeling that way!
Subaru-kun?
Is he simply asleep?
Yes.
He looks like a child, doesn't he?
It appears Subaru-kun cannot do any more work today.
Yes, he's done for today.
What a bad boy. It's only his second day of work, yet he's already taking a day off.
When he feels better, you can punish him.
Seeing him like this, I almost don't want to.
Yeah.
I shall inform my sister that Subaru-kun will be useless for the rest of the day.
Rem.
Subaru is a good person.
Did I really just bawl all over the girl I love
and then fall asleep bathing in my own tears and snot?
What kind of shame play is that!? I'm a lost cause! Totally hopeless!
I suppose that's all you have to say after bursting in here late at night?
Don't be like that, Lil' Bea! We're tight, aren't we?
I suppose you have some strange idea about our—
Wait, what did you just call me?
Oh, "Lil' Bea"?
I think pet names are indispensable in showing affection.
So I'm gonna call you Lil' Bea.
That's the best proof of my affection that I can give.
What sort of obtrusive display of goodwill is that?
Disgusting doesn't begin to describe that! It's completely revolting!
Don't be so cold, Lil' Bea.
The thing is...
I'm backed into a corner here.
Honestly, I want your help with the curses I asked about.
I suppose I already let you know that, once activated, curses can't be undone.
Yeah, you did.
But is it possible to detect curses before they're activated?
It's perfectly possible to discover curses before they're activated.
How are curses placed?
I suppose there's a single rule that cannot be broken when casting curses.
A rule that can't be broken?
You must be in physical contact with your target.
That is the prerequisite.
Other than those in this mansion,
I've only touched the villagers at the base of the mountain.
So I was cursed in the village,
it activated in the mansion that night,
and then I died?
That would explain why the shaman got Rem last time.
I didn't go to the village, so she ended up being the target.
It fits. It all fits now!
I've finally found a lead!
Holy crap!
I suppose that's one attitude to take toward someone you asked for help.
If you found it helpful, I believe there's something you should be saying.
Yeah, that's right!
You saved me!
Thanks to you, I can see the light!
Lil' Bea, I love you!
Let me—
I suppose I want down!
Dorowazu!
And so, a lot's happened,
but today is a fresh start! I'm a new me!
It was the lap pillow, right?
It was the lap pillow.
Huh?
Wait, you guys knew?
Subaru, good morning.
Emilia-tan?
Um, this is kind of embarrassing.
Are you feeling okay?
I wasn't so sure till I heard your voice just now, but...
I'm okay now.
So, um, listen...
I'm sorr—
I mean, thanks for everything.
You're very welcome.
Well, shall we start on this morning's work, Subaru-kun?
We need to begin our morning duties.
Before that, I have a favor to ask.
A lap pillow, right?
It's a lap pillow.
I'm not that unscrupulous!
Actually, I want to go check out the village.
It's not far, right?
Do we have any plans to shop for anything?
If I recall, we are low on seasonings,
so I was thinking of going to the village tomorrow.
Then why don't we go today instead?
If we're running low, it never hurts to restock sooner!
I don't see a problem with that.
Sister?
You do need to go shopping, and we have no urgent duties.
And Balse will be there to carry everything.
If you say so, Sister.
All right!
But I'm going with you.
You'll have a pretty flower on each arm, Balse.
Huh?
Uh, I just hope those flowers aren't poisonous.
I Cried, Cried My Lungs Out, and Stopped Crying
I knew it, Puck just won't do!
Emilia-tan, please teach me magic!
Give me private lessons with simple instructions!
All right, repeat after me.
Myom, myom, myom...
Oh, there it is! Emilia-tan's "myom myom"!
It's so damn cute!
EMMMMK! Emilia-tan's "myom myom myom" is damn cute!
Myom, myom, myom. I won't lose to her.
Myom, myom, myom...
Oh, Rem's "myom myom myom" is irresistibly charming, too!
Myom, myom, myom...
Next time: The Meaning of Courage
Now, gather your courage, and together...
Myom, myom, myom...